Group IV Project –
Theoretical study - to address the ecological problems
of wetland loss, subsidence, coastal erosion, hurricane protection, or flooding


Students will analyze a topic or problem as part of an interdisciplinary team composed of students from the IB Physics and IB Biology classes. Hurricanes incidences have made clear the dynamic changes that are occurring in our area. People around the world are affected by some of the same dynamic forces and are working to solve the problems caused by sea level rise, flooding, erosion, wetland loss, storm surge and subsidence.

Meeting One:
Students will study a specific area of South Louisiana, then, develop an action plan to address or solve a problem suggested by the study. Each Location will have two teams: physical science/engineering and Biology/Environmental.


  • Students will use physical science principles as they design or engineer changes to the area understudy to solve a problem concerning the community. Students should consider how other people around the world are solving similar problems and economic importance. Final product must show evidence of application of this study to important global, ethical, economic and environmental issues.

  • Students will use biological and environmental principles to identify local species, requirements for success, interactions and consider economic effects of species loss, or other changes. Final product must show evidence of application of this study to important global, ethical, economic and environmental issues.

Meeting Two:
Teams will present findings to peers through PowerPoint presentation. Teams will discuss method for evaluating the possible consequences to biological systems and make predictions as to how changes to the area chosen will impact biotic conditions. Teams will decide if economic benefits outweigh cost. PowerPoint: including data tables, graphs and pictures where appropriate: